Challenge 2: Earth and Space

Which of the following is true of the Sun?

• The Sun is the closest star to Earth.

• The Sun is the largest star in the Milky Way

• The Sun is the largest planet in our Solar System.

• The Sun is an example of a galaxy that gives off light energy.

Brandon has learned that many stars are actually larger than the Sun. If this is true, why do these stars appear like points of light in the sky?

• These stars are hotter than the Sun.

• These stars have less mass than the Sun.

• These stars are farther away from Earth than the Sun is.

• These stars are made of different chemicals than the Sun.

What do all planets have in common?

• They are all made of rock or ice.

• They all have rings or moons as satellites.

• They are all nearly round and orbit the Sun.

• They all rotate on an axis and orbit the Earth.

Which answer describes how the inner planets are similar to each other?

• They are all the same size.

• They all have solid surfaces.

• They all have at least one moon.

• They all have a thick atmosphere.

When comets come close to the Sun they develop a tail that glows so we can see it from Earth. Asteroids do not develop tails like this. In what other way are asteroids different from comets?

• Asteroids orbit planets while comets orbit the Sun.

• Asteroids are rocky while comets are balls of ice and dust.

• Asteroids orbit outside of the Solar System while comets do not.

• Asteroids are smooth and round while comets are lumpy shapes.

Ann and Cheryl are trying to write a general description of a planet that could apply to any planet in our Solar System. So far, their list looks like this:

1. Orbits the Sun
2. Nearly round.

What else can they add to their list?

• spins on its axis

• has at least one moon

• has water on its surface

• is always the same distance from the Sun

Which statement below best describes the characteristic that all stars have in common?

• All stars are made of hydrogen gases.

• All stars are found in the Milky Way galaxy.

• All stars have the same temperature.

• All stars are the same distance from the Sun.

The Sun is a very important star that affects life on Earth. Fifth grade teams were given the assignment to list characteristics of the Sun. The picture shows a table that was posted by one of the teams. Which characteristic listed in the table does not belong?

• Characteristic 1

• Characteristic 2

• Characteristic 3

• Characteristic 4

Planets in our solar system have been classified as either inner or outer planets because of their characteristics. Explain the difference between the inner and outer planets in our solar system.

• The inner planets are farther away from the sun and therefore, receive less sunlight. The inner planets are also larger in size than the outer planets and have only one moon.

• The inner planets are closer to the Sun and therefore, receive more sunlight. The inner planets are also smaller in size than the outer planets and have fewer moons.

• The inner planets are closer to the Sun and therefore, receive more sunlight. The inner planets are all the same and the outer planets are all different sizes.

• The inner planets are farther away from the Sun and therefore, receive more sunlight. The inner planets are also smaller in size than the outer planets and have fewer moons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-3

The Asteroid Belt is a floating cluster of rocks and metal found in outer space. Between which two planets in outer space can the asteroid belt be found?

• Uranus and Neptune

• Mercury and Venus

• Jupiter and Saturn

• Mars and Jupiter